From the desk of ... Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong, and Cindy Pearson, executive director of the National Women's Health Network, Repro Health Watch

There has been increased attention and funding in recent years for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs). While LARCs are part of a well-balanced mix of contraceptive options, there are concerning practices when it comes to who is targeted for long-acting methods and the way in which counseling is provided.

Data from a new national survey reveal seven in 10 women working in the fast food industry say they have gone to work with symptoms of illness. Only 14 percent of women in the industry, and a mere 6 percent of women who are paid less than $9 per hour, say they have access to paid sick days.

Capping off an already historic year of progress for paid sick days, voters in Arizona and Washington approved ballot measures last week that will mean the nation will soon have seven statewide paid sick days laws. Thirty-nine jurisdictions now do – or will soon – guarantee workers the right to earn paid sick time, and efforts to protect and build upon these victories has become even more important.

From the desk of ... Julia Kortrey and Christine Sloane, National Partnership

This week marks the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act – a historic advance that has made more affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage available to millions more consumers. But increasing access to health coverage addresses only one barrier to health care in this country. Paid sick days access is essential too.

From the desk of ...

In this election season, the importance of advancing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has become even clearer. Yesterday marked the start of the open enrollment season for plan year 2017. As is always the case, open enrollment provides a critically important chance for individuals and families to sign up for affordable health insurance plans.

When Congress reconvenes, members will have a chance to show America’s families that progress is possible. Rather than continuing a dismal record of inaction, they should use this lame duck session to move the country forward.

Sometimes it’s hard to fathom the ways laws and policies evolve in this country, with little coherence and an often-painful disregard for their impact. Today marks 40 years of the Hyde Amendment. It may be impossible to fully grasp the extraordinary harm this punitive policy has done.

From the desk of ... Sarah Lipton-Lubet and Sarah Fleisch Fink

It’s the most basic of rights and foundational to our ability to thrive: Every person should have the freedom to decide if, when and how to raise a family. But for many women struggling to make ends meet, this is not reality.

From the desk of ... Christine Sloane

The St. Paul City Council unanimously approved a paid sick days ordinance on September 7. When fully implemented, the law will guarantee approximately 68,300 additional private sector workers in the city the right to earn paid sick time. This is the second paid sick days win in Minnesota this year, following Minneapolis’s victory in May. Advocates now have their sights set on making Duluth next.

Those of us who have spent our careers fighting discrimination in all its forms have been deeply concerned by reports of bias by Airbnb hosts, and allegations that Airbnb’s platform might have helped facilitate some of the discrimination.

Today is the eighth and final Labor Day the country will celebrate with Barack Obama as its president. It’s well worth taking a moment to appreciate his deep and enduring commitment to equal opportunity for women in the workplace.